Four Reasons Fire Sprinkler Systems Fail

June 7, 2016

Nearly 90 percent of fires can be stopped by working fire sprinkler systems. But what about the percentage of non-working systems?

A 2013 study performed by the NFPA concluded that fire sprinkler systems are effective 91 percent in all reported structure fires. But what about the other nine percent of the time? This percentage represents a number of times a fire sprinkler system has failed while performing its duty. Let’s take a moment to discuss what could have made these fire sprinklers fail.

Failure to Maintain the “Operational System” Status

To operate a fire sprinkler system, you need an adequate water supply and while it isn’t necessarily a hard thing to do, many fires rage on because of an inadequate water supply. Whether the valve was turned off because of routine system maintenance, building construction, system impairment, or the valve was installed incorrectly, there quite a few reasons a fire sprinkler system may not have enough water to douse the fire. If any portion of your fire sprinkler system is out of order, it is important to have it repaired right away before a fire breaks out.

Failure to Provide an Adequate System or Accurate Coverage Area for Current Hazards

When installing a sprinkler system in your business, it is important that you consult with an expert like Fireline to choose the best type of system for your building’s purpose. Every sprinkler system is designed to protect your business from a certain type of hazard. Providing your space with an inadequate system is just as dangerous as not having a system in your building at all. If the use of the building or area changes, it is important to keep your system up to date.

Defects Not Involving the Sprinkler System

There may be some defects in your building that can also affect your sprinkler systems. Although they are not directly related, your fire sprinkler system could be disabled if there are changes to the water distribution system and faulty building construction. If there are any changes in your building, it is important to contact a licensed inspector to ensure your sprinkler system is still in good, working order.

Inadequate Performance of the Sprinkler System Itself

While it is the most uncommon of the four system failures, a defect in your system could be caused by a damaged component like sprinkler heads or an operational failure when it activates. These incidents are often the consequences of a fire but can leave your building vulnerable nonetheless.

These failures can be prevented by maintaining your system and having it inspected when your building is modified or every year. For more information on having your system inspected to prevent failure, call Fireline today!

Prevent Fire Sprinkler Failures with Fireline

At Fireline, we offer an array of portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems to keep commercial kitchens safe. Fireline offers the highest quality alarm systems to keep your business safe from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. We also offer fire suppression systems as well to help keep commercial fires controlled should they break out. Our trained technicians will work with you to determine which air sampling smoke detection system is best for your business. We will also help install and maintain the system for your commercial building.

To get started with Fireline today, or for more information on sprinkler systems call us at 1-800-553-3405, or visit our contact page.